Ok, not really a new direction, but I've taken up running as my chosen method of exercise. Gym- too many "you lift, bro?" people. Running lets me improve on my weak point (well, now it's pushups haha!), gives me some time to think, and goals I can reaching and resetting.
After not being able to run a 9 minute mile pre-BMT, I'm happy to say I can now consistently run a 5K under 30 minutes (even after a break from running while graduating one tech school and moving to another). I try to get people to join me- sometimes I succeed and sometimes I am running alone- I've come to enjoy both scenarios :)
My next step is a 10K. Running so much has shown me that it's important to have the right equipment. When I started, any shoe was fine, whatever I wore was fine- now I've gotten picky. I just bought new Brooks Launch 2 shoes- oh my goodness what a difference! I prefer to run in a sportsbra... but I feel that's frowned upon on base so I do pick lighter-weight tops now as I get very warm when I run. Running shorts are great; but why oh why don't ALL of them come with pockets now (preferably zippered)? Very easy feature to add.
Motivation can be tricky sometimes. Especially when it's hot and humid outside- I'm used to running in California where at it's worst I ran in the mist! I think I'm slowly getting used to it- definitely building up my strength and endurance.
I don't know if I'll ever reach that "runner's high"... let's be honest I run mostly because I have to, and now I can add because I want to see how far I can push myself. It feels good to say- I have this exercise goal now I need to reach it! (Can I also say- it's a self-improvement bullet that not too many people would have.)
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
A Belle long-gone in the Air Force! I can't believe how long it has been since I have written on here- I need to remedy this! I've been reminded recently on the benefit of reflective thought- so I hope to continue this through my blog!
I've been at tech school since the end of March... it's now October. It is incredibly difficult and challenging here, but I love it all the more for that same reason. I'm an Airman Leader- a yellow rope- so I have a whole building full of Airmen to watch over and I have to say: sometimes I feel like a mother hen. I love it, though. Being called Ma'am... watching timid Airmen trying to decide if they need to salute me or not...I kid! I love helping them out, answering their questions, making sure they are upholding the standards, so on and so forth.
Class can be a challenge, though. I enjoy the people in my class for the most part, although I do not tolerate laziness well, or disrespect for the rules so my feathers get ruffled from time to time. I feel like mother hen there, as well. I attempt to look out for everyone... I need to do a better job of not letting them slip through the cracks. I can't let go of responsibilities!
The pace is incredible... much faster than a college course- and I think I am busier now than when I had 19 credit hours (plus 2 more hours I was auditting- 21 altogether) in college... Now that I think about it I'd LOVE to go back to my first year advisor and share with her my experiences thus far. She thought 19 was too many... ha! Granted, my experience gained from Saint Mary's certainly makes this schooling far more accomplishable (is that a word?). I think I've earned the right to make up words at this point. I've always been a busy person... I don't relax easily as I always imagine there is something else I need to be doing. In this place, though, the relaxation is required every so often! I'm working on that!
Now I must work on homework and baychief tasks... Happy to be back on here!
I've been at tech school since the end of March... it's now October. It is incredibly difficult and challenging here, but I love it all the more for that same reason. I'm an Airman Leader- a yellow rope- so I have a whole building full of Airmen to watch over and I have to say: sometimes I feel like a mother hen. I love it, though. Being called Ma'am... watching timid Airmen trying to decide if they need to salute me or not...I kid! I love helping them out, answering their questions, making sure they are upholding the standards, so on and so forth.
Class can be a challenge, though. I enjoy the people in my class for the most part, although I do not tolerate laziness well, or disrespect for the rules so my feathers get ruffled from time to time. I feel like mother hen there, as well. I attempt to look out for everyone... I need to do a better job of not letting them slip through the cracks. I can't let go of responsibilities!
The pace is incredible... much faster than a college course- and I think I am busier now than when I had 19 credit hours (plus 2 more hours I was auditting- 21 altogether) in college... Now that I think about it I'd LOVE to go back to my first year advisor and share with her my experiences thus far. She thought 19 was too many... ha! Granted, my experience gained from Saint Mary's certainly makes this schooling far more accomplishable (is that a word?). I think I've earned the right to make up words at this point. I've always been a busy person... I don't relax easily as I always imagine there is something else I need to be doing. In this place, though, the relaxation is required every so often! I'm working on that!
Now I must work on homework and baychief tasks... Happy to be back on here!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Tech School Beginnings
So... This is extremely late, but I made it through BMT (3 months ago) and have started tech school! It is still so hard to believe that I am here and in the Air Force. BMT was incredibly tough and challenging on many levels, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Maybe that's the "Stockholm Syndrome" talking, but it was wonderful at the same time. I learned I was capable of so much in those 8.5 weeks that I didn't know was possible. A few little tidbits:
1. Lifelong bonds can be made within a week, let alone 8 weeks.
2. Showers are NEVER to be underrated. Especially on those really hot days.
3. You never really appreciate the ABU's until you are issued the Blues.
4. 50+ girls living together can be really bad or ok. I got the ok flight, but we witnessed the really bad at BEAST...
5. Eventually you expect the yelling in your face and feel weird, shocked even, when it doesn't happen.
6. Reporting statements are fun. Once you don't have to say "trainee" anymore. :)
7. EC duty is going to suck, but it's built-in study time.
8. Sundays were better in BMT than in tech school.
9. I really love marching. Shin splints and all.
10. Nothing beats the moment when your father stands next to you for a picture after the coin ceremony... BEFORE he taps you out.
My tech school is incredibly hard, and there will be some bumps along the way, but I am here and loving it so far! More later- taps played and it's time for bed! (one of those dreaded Sundays in tech school- the weekend is never long enough!)
1. Lifelong bonds can be made within a week, let alone 8 weeks.
2. Showers are NEVER to be underrated. Especially on those really hot days.
3. You never really appreciate the ABU's until you are issued the Blues.
4. 50+ girls living together can be really bad or ok. I got the ok flight, but we witnessed the really bad at BEAST...
5. Eventually you expect the yelling in your face and feel weird, shocked even, when it doesn't happen.
6. Reporting statements are fun. Once you don't have to say "trainee" anymore. :)
7. EC duty is going to suck, but it's built-in study time.
8. Sundays were better in BMT than in tech school.
9. I really love marching. Shin splints and all.
10. Nothing beats the moment when your father stands next to you for a picture after the coin ceremony... BEFORE he taps you out.
My tech school is incredibly hard, and there will be some bumps along the way, but I am here and loving it so far! More later- taps played and it's time for bed! (one of those dreaded Sundays in tech school- the weekend is never long enough!)
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The final preparations...
1. Memory work! If you are in DEP, you are given a booklet or pamphlet of everything that you need to know. Know it! It's not a joke- you don't want to be the DBT- DirtBagTrainee.
2. Physical prep- I've been slacking and my muscles, though angry with me now, will be glad that I've stepped back into workouts and running as the weeks dwindle down.
3. Power of Attorney. You are not too young or too old to do this- grant to someone you ABSOLUTELY TRUST. For instance, I'm asking my Dad since he's been there for me for 27 years so far and he'd make good decisions for me if need be (also, his name is already on my account haha!).
4. a Will- I don't know what will happen, maybe nothing will happen, but it is far better to be prepared for anything and everything.
5. Where is all that stuff going? If you are older, like me, you may have a few (lots) items in your possession that can't just hang around while you are in BMT/Tech School/duty- I had to move out of my apartment, store a few items (talk about purging), move back in with parents, and donate donate donate. Now, if you are recently coming from high school, you will probably not have all these things to deal with- but make sure you discuss with parents/guardians about what you are keeping and where you are keeping it.
6. Don't forget your relationships with friends and family. They may not want to be overwhelmed with Air Force stuff, but real life goes on regardless. Answer their questions, sure, but spend quality time with them doing what you always do. You'll be grateful for it later.
7. Have a going away party. This I have yet to do- but I am planning it! One neat idea I found (wish it was my idea) was to get blank postcards- at the party people can write you messages and someone can send them to you throughout BMT once you get your address to them. I found double-blank ones (on the front and back), so people can decorate them, too. There are also a few kids that I know (family and friends) that will have fun coloring them for me :)
That's what I have so far- I'll add on when I think of anything else!
Monday, November 18, 2013
A bit late but...
As I missed Veteran's Day on this blog of mine, I thought I would post a video that was done in honor of the SemperFiFund, and to start getting everyone in the Christmas spirit.
From this YouTube video :)
I wanted to share a video that was shared by the Hammond Police Dept. on Facebook, but I couldn't get one to come up- that was a tear jerker!
Also: in honor of my nephew (I'll claim him as such), Lenny DeRegules, who is currently serving with the USMC, please check out the SemperFiFund website. It's not only for the USMC, they help members of all branches of service. Click here to learn all about them :)
Don't wait a whole year to thank a service member. I think what has been sacrificed is worth more than one day.
On a personal note: someone was relaying a conversation to me in which one person said that military service members shouldn't get full pension after 20 years (my friend had made the comment that they should get at least half pension after 10, which spurred the other comments). He compared the work that military personnel do to those of factory workers (lets be honest- there are some vets working in factories that deserve more than that) and asked the question, "how is their (military personnel) job harder? Why give them pension at all?" My friend then talked about the sacrifice involved, and so on, but I don't think it got through or opened the mind of the other.
I didn't respond much then, but it has been weighing on my mind since hearing these comments. Though I have yet to ship off to BMT, I've been packing, selling, and preparing for leaving. I've shed tears for what I'll be leaving behind, and surely there are more coming. It comes down to this: I don't HAVE to leave. I am willingly giving up comforts, possessions, time with loved ones, and so much more in order to serve a higher purpose. I am willing to be put through mindgames and tests and trials and training in order to do a job to protect this country and those who live here- for people who I don't know and will never meet.
No matter what my job will be, my core values will always remain Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Service before self- that's to you, person who thinks what military personnel are on the same level as a factory worker. A factory worker gets to go home every day/night (working long shifts, but have you seen the mid-shifts at Air Bases???). See his/her family. Go out for drinks with friends. Go to the park with their kids. Maybe work on a holiday, but that time is always made up. Military personnel don't. They/We lose time spent working to keep you and our country safe. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to discount anyone who doesn't have a military job (or factory workers), but the level of sacrifice is completely different and comes with much higher stakes.
This ended up being much longer than I originally planned. That's what happens with me and tangents! On a brighter note: here's a moment to treasure.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Instant bonds and friendship
I'm not even in the Air Force yet (officially, anyway), and already it's instant comraderie when I meet or chat with someone in the Air Force, or even in other branches!
I got this little gem from Cup of Joe:
Kristi - thanks for the drink! It's good to know people back home are thinking of us. It's still pretty hot in Africa, so I'll probably stick to the iced coffee. Good luck in BMT. It can be pretty rough, so just remember not to let it get you down and that BMT won't last forever.
How awesome to be encouraged from Africa??? Who else can say that? (Oh wait, I already have a dear friend in the Peace Corps there- I can say it twice!) I meet recruiters from various branches (at the school I work at) and while some jokingly try to "steal" me from the Air Force, they are always pleasant to talk to and wish me luck. Although my favorite day is when the AF recruiters are here!
I got this little gem from Cup of Joe:
Kristi - thanks for the drink! It's good to know people back home are thinking of us. It's still pretty hot in Africa, so I'll probably stick to the iced coffee. Good luck in BMT. It can be pretty rough, so just remember not to let it get you down and that BMT won't last forever.
How awesome to be encouraged from Africa??? Who else can say that? (Oh wait, I already have a dear friend in the Peace Corps there- I can say it twice!) I meet recruiters from various branches (at the school I work at) and while some jokingly try to "steal" me from the Air Force, they are always pleasant to talk to and wish me luck. Although my favorite day is when the AF recruiters are here!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Something of my time left
As I write this post, I have about 3 months left before I leave for BMT. (81 Days!!!!)
Some thoughts running through my head:
Gosh people must be sick of me talking about the Air Force.
Too bad. All I want to do is talk about the Air Force.
Oh look- groups of people going into the Air Force who want to talk about the Air Force!
** serious note time**
It struck me that I have an "expiration date" on my current life. How scary/exciting to think about- I'm literally closing one chapter and beginning an entirely new one, maybe even a new book. I'm moving out of an apartment, without having a forwarding address (well, ok, my parents'), keeping only what I absolutely want to keep, saying good bye to dear friends and loved ones, and everyone elses' life will go on as normal and I won't be as much a part of their lives any more.
I'm not disappearing from the face of the planet, I know that, but even in college I experienced the sensation of not really being involved. During that time I had breaks and holidays to come home and visit with friends. In the Air Force, I shall be (hopefully- knock on wood) in tech school for over a year without the opportunity to come home as often. Any relationship I currently have shall be reduced to letters, texting, phone calls, and Facebook. I'm left wondering who will go that extra mile and stay connected with me... and vice versa.
I went shopping yesterday- I texted a photo of what I was trying on to my sister (as I usually do- she's brilliant with opinions). The reply: "Cute! but why are you buying stuff now?"
Kind of a smack in the face. My life isn't ending, people. It's adapting. It's changing. Not ending. Yes, I'll be getting rid of many many items that I will no longer need or want,; but there are certain things I'll still need or want and those I will keep, some I'll have shipped to me. To another end, buying things/shopping/doing adds a normalcy to my life that is harder to grasp since being in DEP. I'm not going to be stuck wearing my uniform forever! In Tech school I'll be able to wear civvies :) After Tech school, I'll have a life again, albeit a military one, during which I can wear civvies as well. I'll still be the same cute Kristi (oh so humble) with the same fashion sense. My life isn't being put on hold; there will be no pause button; and while somethings are changing now (like working out more often), I'm still me.
Some thoughts running through my head:
Gosh people must be sick of me talking about the Air Force.
Too bad. All I want to do is talk about the Air Force.
Oh look- groups of people going into the Air Force who want to talk about the Air Force!
** serious note time**
It struck me that I have an "expiration date" on my current life. How scary/exciting to think about- I'm literally closing one chapter and beginning an entirely new one, maybe even a new book. I'm moving out of an apartment, without having a forwarding address (well, ok, my parents'), keeping only what I absolutely want to keep, saying good bye to dear friends and loved ones, and everyone elses' life will go on as normal and I won't be as much a part of their lives any more.
I'm not disappearing from the face of the planet, I know that, but even in college I experienced the sensation of not really being involved. During that time I had breaks and holidays to come home and visit with friends. In the Air Force, I shall be (hopefully- knock on wood) in tech school for over a year without the opportunity to come home as often. Any relationship I currently have shall be reduced to letters, texting, phone calls, and Facebook. I'm left wondering who will go that extra mile and stay connected with me... and vice versa.
I went shopping yesterday- I texted a photo of what I was trying on to my sister (as I usually do- she's brilliant with opinions). The reply: "Cute! but why are you buying stuff now?"
Kind of a smack in the face. My life isn't ending, people. It's adapting. It's changing. Not ending. Yes, I'll be getting rid of many many items that I will no longer need or want,; but there are certain things I'll still need or want and those I will keep, some I'll have shipped to me. To another end, buying things/shopping/doing adds a normalcy to my life that is harder to grasp since being in DEP. I'm not going to be stuck wearing my uniform forever! In Tech school I'll be able to wear civvies :) After Tech school, I'll have a life again, albeit a military one, during which I can wear civvies as well. I'll still be the same cute Kristi (oh so humble) with the same fashion sense. My life isn't being put on hold; there will be no pause button; and while somethings are changing now (like working out more often), I'm still me.
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